Woodyard Named Broncos’ Walter Payton Man of the Year

Linebacker Wesley Woodyard earned the prestigious nomination for the third time in four years.

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. – Linebacker Wesley Woodyard can be seen all over the field making plays. He can also be seen all over the city of Denver making a difference in the community.

On Wednesday, the Broncos announced that the club has selected Woodyard as its 2013 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award recipient.

The prestigious award historically recognizes a player for outstanding leadership both on the field and in the community.

Woodyard has earned the team’s nomination for the honor in three of the last four years – 2010-11, ’13.

A six-time team captain, Woodyard’s nonprofit, the 16Ways Foundation, has an enormous impact on at-risk youth and hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including an MVP Dinner, multiple youth football camps and Touchdowns for Tomorrow Trivia Night.

16Ways Foundation is also scheduled to host its annual toy drive in December to benefit local charities, including the Tennyson Center for abused and neglected children.

In addition to his own charitable efforts, Woodyard is a regular participant in team community events. He

has volunteered his time for Shop with a Bronco, Hometown Huddle, Habitat for Humanity Metro Denver and the Denver Broncos Holiday Party for the Denver Rescue Mission.

In April, Woodyard joined Denver Mayor Michael Hancock on the steps of the Colorado State Capitol Building to kick off Child Abuse Prevention Month and teamed up with the Mayor to unveil the My Denver Card initiative, which allows all Denver Public School students who apply to the program admission into Denver’s 26 recreations centers and 29 pools free of charge.

Woodyard’s selection as the Broncos’ Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award recipient will be recognized during Denver’s home game against Tennessee on Dec. 8, and the Broncos will make a $10,000 donation to the 16Ways Foundation.

Woodyard’s name will be submitted to the NFL for consideration as the national award winner, which is announced during Super Bowl week. That individual will receive a $25,000 donation to the organization of his choice courtesy of NFL Charities.